YouSaid · the spoken record

Juul

lines on the record: 1,152
first: 2005-02-17
most recent: 2023-07-27
sittings or episodes: 232
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“With regard to the Constitutional Committee, Norway will continue to urge the parties to get back to the negotiating table and contribute constructively to the process. We are concerned about the recent violence in northern Syria, including in Idlib. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to which the Director for Operations and Advocacy of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also referred, at least 92 civilians were killed in the period covering August to September. Let me again highlight the need for a national ceasefire and remind the parties of their obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. The lack of progress towards a political solution also has a negative impact on the socioeconomic situation.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“I make this statement on the political situation in Syria in my national capacity. I thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing. Norway continues to give its full support to him and his team. We are pleased to hear that he has continued consultations with the relevant actors regarding the step-for-step approach. Norway shares his view that there are areas of shared interest in which it is possible to find common ground, and there is certainly an urgent need to implement confidence-building measures to move the political process forward. Progress relating to missing and arbitrarily detained persons in Syria could be one such issue. Some progress has been made following the Syrian authorities’ announced amnesty. Still, strengthened efforts by the Syrian authorities in implementing the amnesty are needed.”
2022-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9163 (2022) · source
“Libyan authorities must fulfil their obligations to protect human rights, and the space for civil society, including women’s rights groups, must be protected. Let me finish by reiterating the need for the full withdrawal of all foreign fighters, mercenaries and foreign forces from Libya and the need to implement an adequate disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme in close cooperation with neighbouring countries.”
2022-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9162 (2022) · source
“We condemn the killing of 15 migrants in Sabratha and call on the Libyan authorities to ensure a thorough investigation of these deaths. We are deeply concerned by reports of violations and abuses of international law, including conflict-related sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, abductions and the reported use of torture. Acts of violence in detention centres against migrant and refugee children, who represent 18 per cent of the detainee population, also continue to be reported. We call on the Libyan authorities to end arbitrary detention, particularly of children; to release those unlawfully detained; and to immediately put in place measures to prevent torture, sexual violence or other ill treatment in detention.”
2022-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9162 (2022) · source
“We welcome what Special Representative Bathily has reported to us today, namely, that he is engaging with the Libyan parties to get the political process back on track. The priority should be to agree on a constitutional framework for the holding of elections, and a timeline should be established. Norway urges all Libyan parties to work constructively with the Special Representative on these issues and heed the calls of the Libyan people to hold elections. We also encourage all parties to show restraint and avoid actions and rhetoric that could escalate the situation. All parties must take responsibility for avoiding a new escalation of violence. Norway is concerned by the deteriorating situation for migrants in Libya.”
2022-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9162 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Representative Bathily for his briefing. Norway welcomes his appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary- General, and we are pleased to see that he has started work from Tripoli. Libya faces a number of challenges. It is therefore crucial that we have a strong and stable United Nations presence in the country, first and foremost to support the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. Norway strongly supports the role and the work of the United Nations in Libya. The recommendations from the strategic review need to be implemented, and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) must have the necessary resources. A one-year extension of UNSMIL’s mandate is necessary for the Mission to fulfil its role.”
2022-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9162 (2022) · source
“We appreciate the tireless efforts of the Secretary- General in that regard. In times of war, we need that beacon of hope.”
2022-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9161 (2022) · source
“We call on the parties, at all levels, to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including to provide support for the International Committee of the Red Cross in fulfilling its unique mandate as laid out in the Geneva Conventions, including to visit prisoners of war. We commend international and national humanitarian responders for their bravery in delivering humanitarian protection and assistance to those in need. It is critical that humanitarian actors have full, safe and unhindered access to all those in need. We are particularly concerned about the situation of the elderly, persons with disabilities and children in conflict- affected areas. While the war rages, the world faces a food crisis. The continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is vital.”
2022-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9161 (2022) · source
“The killing of civilians, the discovery of mass graves, incidents of rape and other forms of sexual violence, forced disappearance and torture have all been recorded, along with reports of deportations to Russia and adjustments to procedures in order to allow Russians to adopt Ukrainian children without the consent of their parents, among other things. The victims deserve justice, survivors must be cared for and those responsible must be held accountable. But to stop those grotesque violations in the first place, the war must come to an end. Russia must withdraw its troops from within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine and stop the war. Norway also remains concerned by the many prisoners of war who are unaccounted for and others who are missing because of the conflict.”
2022-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9161 (2022) · source
“They are illegal and may constitute war crimes. Those responsible must be personally held to account. Russia’s devastating attacks on cities and urban areas over the past eight months have killed and maimed civilians, including children, and have led to massive displacement, both internally and across borders. We are concerned about sexual and gender- based violence and human trafficking, which women and unaccompanied children are particularly exposed to. We must facilitate the return of the displaced and the delivery of essential services, and mitigate the long- term effects that Russia’s war has imposed on them. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has concluded that violations of human rights and international humanitarian law amounting to war crimes have been committed by Russian armed forces.”
2022-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9161 (2022) · source
“Let me first thank the briefers for their candid words to the Council today. Their accounts leave no doubt about the devastation that this war has brought upon the people of Ukraine. Norway will continue to stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people against Russia’s aggression, which is a gross violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. We are alarmed by the escalation and brutality of the recent Russian attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure with missiles and drones. Those attacks, which seem deliberate, have killed civilians and hit several power facilities across Ukraine. Damage to energy infrastructure brings great humanitarian harm and will certainly cause illness and death when the cold winter arrives. Those attacks have no military purpose. The aim seems to be to terrorize the population.”
2022-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9161 (2022) · source
“Norway has advocated for stronger safeguards of due process for years, and it is significant that the Council has now made so clear its intent to authorize the Ombudsperson to ensure due process beyond the sanctions regime of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities. It is important that the Council maintain its intention and continue its engagement on due process. We welcome that step in assisting the people of Haiti. Norway stands ready to continue discussions on another draft resolution, which the United States highlighted, and which, we hope, will swiftly be shared with the wider membership.”
2022-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9159 (2022) · source
“Our considerations focused on creating a robust and well-designed regime — one that will act as a constraint and deterrence from sexual and gender- based violence, the recruitment of children to armed groups and criminal networks and human rights abuses that threaten the peace and security of Haiti and the region. It is important that the sanctions regime also includes a robust humanitarian carve-out. Let me also highlight the significance of the Council’s recognition of the need for fair and clear procedures, and the Council’s intent to authorize the Ombudsperson to remedy that issue. Observing due process is instrumental to maintaining the efficiency and legitimacy of any sanctions regime.”
2022-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9159 (2022) · source
“Norway voted in favour of resolution 2653 (2022). The alarming situation in Haiti, as discussed in our recent Council meeting (see S/PV.9153), requires action from the international community. The Haitian people deserve our full attention, assistance and dedication. And today, in response, the Council is establishing its first sanctions regime since 2017. This sanctions regime is an important stepping stone for reducing the abilities of criminal actors and gangs to continue their violence and illegal activities, which paralyse Haiti.”
2022-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9159 (2022) · source
“Finally, I want to encourage both present and future Security Council members to join the shared commitments on women and peace and security. It is important to maintain that cross-regional initiative, which has created a significant shift in the systematic implementation of the women and peace and security agenda in the Council’s own work and support to women peacebuilders and human right defenders safely engaging with the United Nations.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158 (2022) · source
“Norway commends the many good examples and recommendations in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2022/740) on how women’s protection and participation can be enhanced. In particular, we applaud the call for a more coordinated and systematic approach to supporting women human rights defenders. In January, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN-Women and the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security facilitated consultations with more than 40 civil- society representatives and experts on reprisals against women human rights defenders in conflict-affected countries. I encourage everyone to read the summary report (S/2022/756, annex) and to engage in follow-up of their recommendations.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158 (2022) · source
“We also support the work of women in the agreement monitoring committee of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, which continues to remind the parties of the need to prioritize peace dividends and the return of basic social services and is also mobilizing broad support for the peace agreement in their constituencies. Regrettably, women in public life are often targeted, as a strategy to silence, humiliate and discredit them, including through sexual violence and threats. However, the risk of threats and violence should not be used as a pretext to deny women their right to participate. We support the development and implementation of national action plans on women and peace and security because the commitment of States is key to both prevention and accountability.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158 (2022) · source
“In Somalia, women and girls bear the brunt of the perils of insecurity, exclusion, poverty, drought and a devastating humanitarian crisis. Yet, they remain largely underrepresented in formal and informal decision-making bodies. Here, Norway is working for a stronger role for Somali women in peace and reconciliation. And in Syria, Norway is actively supporting the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board, which advises the United Nations Special Envoy on the political process, including the work of the Syrian Constitutional Committee.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158 (2022) · source
“And we hear Zahra’s call about the devastating human rights situation for Afghan women and girls, which is the core of our messaging to the Taliban. Many Afghan women continue to ask the international community to create a platform for them to engage directly with the Taliban. We will continue to look for safe spaces in which they can do so. In Colombia, in partnership with UN-Women, we have long supported women’s organizations in strengthening the implementation of the gender provisions of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. And their advocacy must have left a mark — the unique needs and priorities of women human rights defenders are at the centre of the Government’s new emergency protection plan.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158 (2022) · source
“We fully support the theme of this year’s annual debate and would like to share some of Norway’s experiences in that regard. Where we engage in support of peace processes, Norway always advocates for the formal inclusion of women, in all their diversity. Yet, we also know that the conversations that advance peace and security processes often happen in informal spaces. There, the leadership of local and regional women mediators, peacebuilders and human rights defenders is vital. One such example is the persistent engagement of local women in Yemen, where Ms. Ola Al-Aghbary, a mediator from the Sheba Youth Foundation for Development, who briefed the Council in January (see S/PV.8946), managed to restore water reservoirs for the citizens of Taiz after several districts had been cut off by armed groups for years.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158 (2022) · source
“I want to thank Gabon for organizing this timely debate, as well as the Deputy Secretary-General, Executive Director Bahous, Special Envoy Bineta Diop and Ms. Zahra Nader for providing the necessary context for our discussion today. Thanks to our commitment and hard work within the Security Council, the General Assembly and other United Nations entities, the norms for protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls have gradually been strengthened, yet the daily lived experiences of women and girls and the human rights defenders who protect their rights have been rapidly deteriorating in many countries. That mismatch between words and reality should concerns us all. We must all act in partnership in order to break that vicious cycle.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158 (2022) · source
“We urge all the parties to the conflict to release all children from within their ranks. On the positive side, we note the new national action plan to combat trafficking in children, which must be swiftly implemented with the support of the United Nations. In conclusion, we commend the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her leadership and her efforts to build a trust-based relationship between MINUSCA and the host Government. We hope it can help achieve progress in all the areas mentioned, which will also be central to MINUSCA’s upcoming mandate renewal. She can count on our support.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“That could further erode trust and hinder the reconciliation process. We remain concerned about the security situation in the Central African Republic. Over the past years, we have seen the addition of elements of the Wagner Group to the security space. It is clear that the use of unreliable mercenaries cannot bring lasting peace and security. The only realistic solution is a negotiated peace through inclusive dialogue, with all affected parties. We have also seen a worsening human rights situation, including conflict-related sexual violence. The number of reported violations of international humanitarian law has also increased — and that must stop. We are also worried about the continuing grave violations and abuses of international law against children.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“And as the Central African Republic continues to build on that and prepare for its first local elections in 34 years, inclusivity should be high on the agenda. We know that including women, civil society, and other groups in decision-making is a master key to lasting, peaceful solutions — and successful elections. Both in daily life and during the elections, it will be important for the Government and MINUSCA to ensure that all groups are heard and that no one feels threatened. We are worried about the proliferation of hate speech and incitement to violence, as well as the use of manipulation, misinformation and disinformation in traditional media and on social networks. It is especially concerning that armed groups are threatening women to intimidate and dissuade them from exercising their right to participate in the electoral process.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“The Central African Republic authorities and MINUSCA must coordinate their investigations as closely as possible, so that the perpetrators can be apprehended without delay and charges can be pressed against them. In the interest of the credibility, efficiency and effectiveness of the investigation, MINUSCA must remain closely involved during the entire process. Secondly, the existing operating procedure for evacuation should be re-evaluated and made more effective and prompt. The missions must be provided with adequate resources and capabilities to be able to always ensure swift evacuation in case of attacks and injuries to peacekeepers. Turning now to the political situation, we recognize some positive progress. The strategic review meeting of the political process, held on 4 June, was an encouraging step.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her very valuable insights and welcome the Foreign Minister of the Central African Republic and the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to today’s meeting. Let me turn directly to the tragic loss of three brave peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) earlier this month. Their names were Jasim, Sharif and Jahangir, and they were 31, 26 and 26 years old, respectively. They left dependants and family behind. We pay our deepest respects to the fallen and convey our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones. In concert with the relevant and major troop- contributing country, Bangladesh, we want to share two recommendations. First, there must be accountability.”
2022-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9156 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, despite all the challenges over the past years, what we have seen from New York and Bamako is a United Nations that has shown an extraordinary commitment to Mali. If circumstances allow, MINUSMA, Norway and many other partners stand ready to continue that support.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“We further call on the Government to address the growing number of cases of conflict-related sexual violence. Thirdly, there are also some hopeful developments, which deserve to be encouraged. The agreement with Economic Community of West African States on the transition timeline is crucial and must be adhered to. The adoption of the new electoral law and the nomination of an electoral committee is therefore encouraging. The Malian authorities have a clear responsibility to contribute to the full implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. We therefore welcome the increasing number of women in the follow-up committee for the Agreement. Norway will continue to support progress towards more inclusivity and the return to constitutional order. In that regard, we also note the new draft constitution.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“Following that report, the Council, in consultation with troop- and police-contributing countries, must consider necessary adjustments — again, with all options on the table. Secondly, when the Malian military decided to take power by force, it also took on tremendous responsibilities. One such responsibility is to protect the civilian population from human rights violations and abuses. That situation, unfortunately, is not improving. The main perpetrators are terrorists and armed groups. But we are also deeply concerned about reports of violations and abuses committed by the Malian armed forces and the Wagner Group. We call on all parties to implement the conclusions of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. Violations of international law against children must end and be prevented.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“And during the past year we have become increasingly concerned as the Malian Government imposes new restrictions on the Mission with regard to personnel rotations, flights and access. Those restrictions all limit the Mission’s ability to fulfil its mandate. We are also concerned about the detention of Ivorian soldiers and call for their urgent release, in the spirit of fraternal relations between the peoples of Côte d’Ivoire and Mali. To be clear — MINUSMA’s Security Council mandate and the status-of-forces agreement must be fully respected. Considering the constraints imposed on the Mission, the Secretary-General’s upcoming review must be an honest one, with all options on the table.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Wane for his briefing and leadership. We also welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Diop. Since this is the last regular briefing on Mali and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) during our term on the Security Council, allow me to share three thoughts on the past years. First, we are deeply saddened, again, by the loss of life and injuries in MINUSMA yesterday and today. We extend our condolences to their loved ones, to Chad, and pay tribute to all peacekeepers for their service. Yet again, we see the extremely tough circumstances that the Blue Helmets are facing in Mali.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9154 (2022) · source
“For the efficiency of the sanctions regime, it must include safeguards for due process. The Security Council should have a clear view on how to deal with this issue going forward. One option is to look to existing processing, such as the Office of the Ombudsperson.”
2022-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9153 (2022) · source
“We therefore reiterate the need for humanitarians to be granted access, to have their freedom of movement ensured and for their supplies to be respected. With food insecurity on the rise, we strongly condemn the looting of World Food Programme warehouses, which severely diminishes critical provisions. Civilians should not have to bear the brunt of criminality, yet that is what we are seeing every day. Political compromises must be found to forge reconciliation and a path towards elections. The only solution for Haiti is one created by Haitians themselves. Steps must be taken to restore order and trust for the sake of the Haitian people. Norway believes that sanctions, as proposed by the United States and Mexico, can be an important tool to address violence committed by armed groups and criminal networks.”
2022-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9153 (2022) · source
“The population, especially the children, in Haiti must be protected, and impunity for violations and abuses of human rights must end. We note the request by the Government of Haiti for a specialized armed force to address the acute security crisis. We welcome today’s discussions on how we best can support the Haitian National Police’s efforts to address the security situation. We commend the tireless efforts of the United Nations and humanitarian workers in Haiti during this difficult period. Their work is critical, particularly with the worrisome resurgence of cholera. Swift action must be taken now to stop its spread. But that cannot happen if it remains impossible to reach areas in need with basic services like clean water.”
2022-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9153 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General La Lime for her briefing. I also welcome the Foreign Ministers of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as well as the representatives of Belize and the International Organization of the Francophonie, to this meeting. Norway welcomes the convening of this meeting today. The situation in Haiti is alarming. We are appalled by the reported levels of violence in Haiti, including widespread sexual and gender-based violence, as reflected in the joint United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti-Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights report published just on Thursday (S/2022/761). It is also reported that many children have been killed or injured in crossfire, even while in their homes and schools, and boys and girls are being coerced to engage in gang activity.”
2022-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9153 (2022) · source
“And we continue to be concerned about all acts hindering full and safe humanitarian access, especially in the north, as well as an increasing number of threats against humanitarian workers. Before concluding, Norway would like to commend United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator David Gressly, the Netherlands and other donors for bringing in sufficient pledges to the United Nations plan for the FSO SAFER oil tanker. We are glad to hear that enough funding has been secured to begin the first phase of the operation to prevent an oil spill in the Red Sea. Norway supports those efforts, and we hope that the emergency operation will start as soon as possible.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“During the six months of the truce, there has been a significant reduction of violence and civilian causalities. Non-governmental organizations report that child casualties decreased by 34 per cent. The truce has also allowed for direct dialogue between the parties for the first time in years. Only through dialogue can the parties build the necessary trust. And Norway encourages them to engage constructively in dialogue with the Special Envoy. It is vital that the parties now commit to an extension of the truce that can lead to an expanded ceasefire and the start of a political process. Only that will give the Yemeni people hope for a more peaceful future. The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire. The calls for more funding are clear.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General Msuya for their briefings, as well as for all their hard work and efforts in the past weeks and months to bring the parties together on a path towards peace. Norway regrets that the parties have not yet succeeded in extending the truce. In this crucial moment, the Security Council has a responsibility to do its utmost to secure a return to the truce, and we urge the parties, especially the Houthis, to restrain from their maximalist demands and commit to the terms of the truce. We cannot risk the lack of a truce to create the conditions for incidents on the ground to spiral out of control and for the Yemeni-people to wake up to full- fledged conflict. While we recognize that the truce has had its limitations, we must acknowledge the gains for the civilian population.”
2022-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9152 (2022) · source
“That is why the Security Council must also reflect the geopolitical realities of today. Norway supports efforts to expand the Council and increase the number of permanent and non-permanent seats for Africa.”
2022-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9149 (2022) · source
“The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) are examples in which the compliance frameworks are being tested and implemented, and Norway is pleased to support those efforts. We back the Secretary-General’s call for a United Nations support office for the Joint Force of the G-5 Sahel. Norway believes that the Council should not shy away from serious discussions on predictable, sustainable and flexible funding, including for AU-led and regional missions. Peace and stability are the most important building blocks for realizing the ambitions for economic and social progress in Africa, and African countries have the critical experience and insights. Cooperation with Africa is paramount in dealing with security issues on the continent.”
2022-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9149 (2022) · source
“The AU’s ability and willingness to mount counter-terrorism and peace enforcement missions are increasingly important in what are often rapidly changing conflict dynamics, especially given the fact that such operations fall outside the scope and borders of traditional United Nations peacekeeping operations. Let me be clear. The AU has made progress on a number of fronts. It has taken significant steps to ensure that its Peace Fund is now operational. It has also made advances on the AU compliance framework project with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, including drawing up a code of conduct, developing disciplinary processes and beginning to roll them out in existing missions.”
2022-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9149 (2022) · source
“Such partnerships should be further developed and could serve as a model for effective cooperation and coordination in other conflict situations as well. There can be no peace without women’s full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership, as was recognized in the conclusions of the open session of the African Union Peace and Security Council on women and peace and security, held last week. We applaud the AU’s continued work to strengthen the implementation of the agenda, including through the active use of the Panel of the Wise, FemWise-Africa, the network of African women mediators and joint partnerships with civil society on the ground. Since 2002, the AU has assumed greater responsibility for maintaining peace and security in Africa, including through peace support operations.”
2022-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9149 (2022) · source
“Norway stands firmly by its commitments to doubling its funding for climate finance. The links to security are clear. More than half of the 20 countries most vulnerable to climate change are also affected by armed conflict. There can no longer be any doubt that climate-related security risks must be integrated into our efforts for peace, in Africa and beyond. The shared goal of the African Union and the United Nations is to prevent, mitigate and resolve conflicts. Combining the AU’s situational awareness with the mandates, tools and technical capacity of the United Nations improves conflict resolution and mediation — and we must do more of that. The trilateral mechanism in the Sudan is an example of an effective partnership between United Nations envoys, AU representatives and subregional organizations.”
2022-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9149 (2022) · source
“We thank the Secretary- General and Chairperson Faki Mahamat for their valuable insights. The global challenges we face are disproportionately affecting Africa. We thank Gabon, as well as Ghana and Kenya, for their efforts to ensure that the effects on Africa are placed higher on the Security Council’s agenda. For example, in May, the Council discussed the sharp rise in acute food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition (see S/PV.9036), a topic that was also discussed at the African Union (AU) yesterday. The climate crisis has also become increasingly evident in the work of the Council because it affects livelihoods, human security and people’s futures, multiplies the risks of further conflict and drives displacement. Next month’s meeting among world leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, is a critical moment.”
2022-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9149 (2022) · source
“They could be strengthened by adopting further designations, not just of direct perpetrators but also of entities and actors benefiting from the illicit trade in natural resources further down the supply chain. And we would like to see better synergy among United Nations efforts, including through the creation of a closer link between the work of the Panels of Experts, peacekeeping missions and the relevant national Governments and of dedicated focal points to exchange information related to the exploitation of natural resources. The Security Council itself has already recognized the negative impact that the illegal exploitation and trafficking of natural resources has on conflict prevention, post-conflict peacebuilding and the consolidation of peace.”
2022-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9147 (2022) · source
“Illicit flows do not respect national borders. Norway and the United States recently launched the Nature Crime Alliance. We hope that will encourage political will, mobilize financial commitment and bolster operational capacity. The recommendations of the High-level Panel on International Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity for Achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development also provide important food for thought on addressing the limitations of current financial systems. Increased transparency and global anti-corruption standards are among its recommendations. Security Council sanctions are also an important contribution to ending illicit trafficking.”
2022-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9147 (2022) · source
“Domestic regulatory frameworks are crucial, including licensing regimes, monitoring practices and enforcement mechanisms such as law enforcement. In that regard, technical assistance remains important. Secondly, regional cooperation is vital to support for both national and global efforts. The African Union’s High-Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa and its report demonstrated important leadership. Regional bodies are often best placed to promote effective knowledge-sharing. Furthermore, the Financial Action Task Force is the global standard- setter for combating money-laundering and terrorist financing. Its global network with regional bodies is important to ensuring effective implementation of the standards. That brings me to my third point, which is that global and multilateral cooperation is key.”
2022-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9147 (2022) · source
“Indeed, recent analysis by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate describes this method of financing as strategically important for a range of affiliates on the African continent of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and Al-Qaida. We therefore clearly need a collaborative and holistic approach to ending illegal exploitation, strengthening natural resources management and addressing systematic weaknesses that enable illicit flows and economic corruption. Let me explore three lines of work that should be taken up towards that end. First, institutional weaknesses need to be tackled at the national level. It is important to create robust governance mechanisms and strengthen core institutions and democratic oversight.”
2022-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9147 (2022) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for putting this important topic on the agenda, and Ms. Waly, Mr. Adeoye and Mr. Handy for their insightful briefings. Conflict over the management of natural resources is one of the key drivers of violence against civilians, and crimes related to such resources have given rise to one of the largest illicit economies in the world. It is closely linked to terrorism, organized crime, corruption, human rights violations, financial crime and other threats to peace and security. In many African countries, illicit trafficking in natural resources constitutes a significant source of revenue for armed groups. Gold, minerals, timber, charcoal and wildlife products are all exploited and smuggled illegally out of conflict zones. Those activities fuel violence and other conflict drivers locally and in the region.”
2022-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9147 (2022) · source
“We must continue to affirm that the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must comply fully with its international obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions. Only through dialogue and diplomacy will we find a lasting solution to bring about peace on the Korean peninsula.”
2022-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9146 (2022) · source